President Ersin Tatar has said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) continued to grieve over the death of its citizens in last week’s devastating twin earthquakes which struck southern Türkiye.

Speaking on a programme on BRT, the president shared the details of the TRNC’s response to the earthquake, and how rescue teams were mobilised and sent to Adıyaman.

He said that the Ministry of National Education was preparing for the opening of schools on Monday following the end of the mid-term break and that psychologists and counsellors will be present at the schools, particularly the Gazimağusa Türk Maarif College.

Pointing out that the magnitude of the earthquakes which struck the southern Turkish cities of Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman and Hatay was of immense proportions; Tatar said that recovery efforts will take time.

He also praised the solidarity displayed by the Turkish Cypriot people with Türkiye, with everyone rushing to provide relief and humanitarian assistance to the survivors.

The president also thanked the Civil Defence Organisation, volunteers as well as NGOs for their dedicated efforts and fundraising activities.